I've to start frm scratch again - Sandeep

Nuzhat Aziz

Sandiip Sikcand, the chief creative director of Sony, speaks about his new job profile, game-plan for the channel and life after Balaji

Why did you quit Balaji?

I did not have any specific reason to leave Balaji. I was getting stressed out and the long hours were affecting my health. There were times when I was working 38 hours at a stretch.

I also had my own set of personal problems. I took a break and before going for it I told Shobhaji that I might not return. I got a brilliant offer from Sony and decided to take it up as a challenge.

What is your present job profile?

I am in charge of all the shows on the channel. I am working on newer concepts and storylines. I provide creative inputs to the team.

Doesn't being the chief creative director mean long hours of work again?

I am not scared of working long hours. Work here is lot more streamlined. It's a new challenge for me and I am raring to go. People might think this move was not a sensible one, considering the hard work that I put in with Balaji. It's a clean slate now and I have to start from scratch to prove myself again.

The channel has not been able to garner TRPs with soaps and has only been popular with reality shows. Do you have a game-plan for the channel?

We have been popular with shows like 'Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin' and 'Ek Ladki Anjaani Si'. There will be several new soaps which will have a definite storyline which the viewers will be able to relate to. Our reality show, 'Jhalak Dikhla Ja' will also be unique.

Will you have time for theatre and films?
Theatre will always be my first love. My film 'Woh Lamhe' will release by the end of this year. I will take film projects only if they are exciting.